Software

Over the weekend, we received word from OnePlus that OxygenOS was finally available to download and flash onto OnePlus One devices — after being delayed for about a week and a half. OxygenOS is OnePlus’ self-built Android Lollipop ROM made exclusively for the One.

About two months ago, we were greeted with XPOSED support for Android devices running Lollipop 5.0.x — albeit a very alpha build. XPOSED gives users the ability to download modules that grant extra features to their devices that normally you’d have to have a ROM for. XPOSED creator Rovo89 previously said that this new version wouldn’t work with Android 5.1+, but thanks to an XDA developer, we now have a working build for Android 5.1.

We all know that Verizon isn’t the best when it comes to updating its phones (besides Moto devices) but the length of time that the Galaxy Note 4 has gone without receiving the Android 5.0 update is almost hilarious (probably not so much to Note 4 owners). However, Verizon has finally blessed the workhorse phablet with the software needed to push the hardware over the edge — pun?

It looks like someone has released the system dump for HTC’s new flagship the One M9 online for our lovely developers to tinker with. An xda developer has already figured out a way to port the new camera software over for new phones to download and play with. Can your phone mimic the M9’s shooter?

Usually we have to wait until after a phone is released, it could be months (Moto! ಠ_ಠ) or it could be day one (Nexus praise!), but eventually it seems like the majority of Android phones (especially popular ones), get rooted. The process to achieve root though, could be daunting, that’s where Chainfire comes in.

On Monday, sheer hours after Apple’s event ended, Google announced Android Lollipop 5.1 to the masses. What they failed to do, was send OTA updates to the entire Nexus line so that everyone could have it. Luckily, they have uploaded (some of) the factory images for you to download and flash to your Nexus.

Yesterday, when all the Apple hullabaloo was going around, Google decided to grace us with a new Android update, Android 5.1 Lollipop. Android 5.1 was never touted as being a great change from the Lollipop 5.0.2 we have been using, but we’re seeing a lot of fixes and a couple of features relating to networks.

Google Now updates and additions have been rolling out quicker than I can say “OK Google” — I don’t know what’s going on over there in Mountain View but I like it. We’ve been treated to health questions, NCAA stats, increased movie details, and a lot of other useful information. I’m honestly starting to become convinced that Google Now will one day become all we need on our phones.

Don’t believe me? You will after you let Google get you drunk with their latest feature.

HTC hasn’t had the best of luck keeping their latest flagship devices unexposed before an official announcement. Last year there was an extensive video about the M8 before release and this year we’ve seen a plethora of leaked photos. On top of this year’s leaked photos, we now have a collection of leaked wallpapers to give us a small look into the kind of visual goodies HTC’s latest flagship will feature upon release.

Reviews

The Urban Armor Gear series of cases for the LG G4 aim to protect and serve your mobile device in a virtual blanket of, well, urban armor. Designed from a patented lightweight composite consisting of a hard outer shell and a soft impact resistant core, this dual layer defense not only meets military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6), but looks good doing it. Now, before I go into more detail, let it be know that I have always been more of an au naturel device kind of guy, but after a bit of time with the Ash colored LG G4 Urban Armor Case, I can tell you that this case won’t be coming off any time soon.

The DROID brand deserves the majority of credit for the amount of early success that the Android operating system had in 2009 and 2010. From the original Motorola DROID to the original DROID Incredible, this was the brand of phones that people flocked to if they wanted a phone outside of the iPhone, not just because of a great marketing campaign, but because these were top of the line phones. Ask most of the readers on this site which phone got them started on Android, and you shouldn’t be surprised to hear them say, “The OG DROID.” It’s an iconic phone that helped launch Android to the top.

It’s no secret that I enjoying gaming. I may not get to do it as much as I used to, but I still enjoy it when I can. That’s why I’m always experimenting with ways to improve my gaming experience on Android. Read More

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